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Sampson notches solid first career start

8/2/15: Keyvius Sampson strikes out six over five innings, allowing three runs against the Pirates in his first Major League start

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Right-hander Keyvius Sampson started off sharp on Sunday by retiring the first seven batters he faced, but things got rocky from there as the Pirates spoiled his first career start with a 3-0 victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Sean Rodriguez snapped the early perfect-game bid with a double that started off a two-run top of the third for the Pirates. Sampson would also give up a solo homer in the fourth inning, finishing the day with three runs surrendered on three hits and one walk across five innings.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer and on his podcast. Robert Bondy is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Benches empty after Phillips gets hit by Watson

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Benches clear in the 8th 9:18

8/2/15: Brandon Phillips is hit by a pitch from Tony Watson in the 8th inning, prompting the benches to clear and tempers to flare

By Tom Singer
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Tempers are never far below the surface when the Pirates, the Reds and the National League Central rivals' mutual philosophies of pitching inside clash. Those emotions boiled above the surface in the eighth inning of Sunday's game with the Reds.

DeSclafani hopes to repeat performance against Cards

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DeSclafani hurls seven scoreless 1:20

7/29/15: Anthony DeSclafani scatters three hits and strikes out three over seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals

By David Cobb
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MLB.com |

The Cardinals and Reds open a three-game series at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday with a rematch of last week's pitchers' duel between John Lackey and Anthony DeSclafani in which DeSclafani's Reds took a 1-0 win thanks to a second-inning Jay Bruce home run.

Lackey pitched brilliantly for the Cardinals, allowing just two hits over eight innings, but took the loss, while DeSclafani picked up his first win since June 9.

Iglesias notches second win in lengthy start

Rookie right-hander appreciates Price's confidence in him

8/1/15: Raisel Iglesias strikes out five Pirates and allows two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings of work, earning his second win of the year

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Right-handed rookie Raisel Iglesias was able to do something he hadn't been able to accomplish since May 13 -- win a ballgame.

Iglesias put together 6 2/3 innings of solid production on the mound to help lead the Reds to a 4-3 victory over the Pirates on Saturday. He surrendered just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five to earn his first win in his last eight appearances.

Suarez backs Iglesias as Reds defeat Bucs

8/1/15: Eugenio Suarez gives the Reds a 2-1 lead with an RBI double to left field that scores Marlon Byrd in the bottom of the 4th inning

By Tom Singer and Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Eugenio Suarez drove in three runs to back Raisel Iglesias' four-hit pitching into the seventh Saturday as the Reds downed the Pirates, 4-3, in a sold-out Great American Ball Park.

Iglesias was in control for 6 2/3 innings -- his second longest of eight starts -- to out-duel Gerrit Cole for his second win. He allowed four hits and walked two, striking out five. One of the hits off him was Jung Ho Kang's solo homer in the fourth, his eighth of the season and third in five games.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer and on his podcast. Robert Bondy is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Hamilton reaches milestone 50th stolen base

Center fielder also notches steal No. 51; Price appreciates his value

8/1/15: Billy Hamilton slides into second base and records his 50th stolen base of the season

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton claimed his 50th and 51st stolen bases of the season in the third inning of Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Pirates at Great American Ball Park.

With Joey Votto at the plate and the Reds up, 1-0, Hamilton was able to just beat out the throw from catcher Chris Stewart to steal second base and reach the milestone No. 50. Hamilton then followed that up with his 51st stolen base when Todd Frazier was batting, again beating out the throw from Stewart.

CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Kyle Waldrop understands his time up in the big leagues with the Reds for now will be short lived, but he's still trying to make the most out of it.

Waldrop was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday to fill the vacant roster spot left by the trade of starting pitcher Mike Leake, but Reds manager Bryan Price has said it'll only be a short stint for now. Waldrop didn't get the chance to make his Major League debut in Friday night's game against the Pirates, but he is still getting a lot out of the experience.

CINCINNATI -- When the clock struck 4 p.m. inside the Reds' clubhouse, right fielder Jay Bruce had a look of sheer relief. Teammate Brayan Pena came over to Bruce's locker and gave him a hug.

Ahead of the non-waiver Trade Deadline, Bruce was named often in rumors all day, and for several weeks, but ultimately remained with the only the club he's ever known. Cincinnati, which traded starting pitcher Mike Leake overnight to the Giants and ace Johnny Cueto to the Royals on Sunday, made no additional deals.

Reds fall despite De Jesus, Byrd homers

7/31/15: Ivan De Jesus Jr. deposits Jeff Locke's pitch into the seats in left for a two-run homer, giving the Reds a 2-1 lead

By Mark Sheldon and Tom Singer
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Following an afternoon where they were frisky at the Trade Deadline with multiple moves, the Pirates battled back and then held on for a 5-4 victory over the Reds on Friday that snapped Cincinnati's three-game winning streak.

Sampson to take Leake's spot Sunday

Rookie righty set to make first career start in finale vs. Pirates

7/30/15: Keyvius Sampson strikes out Pedro Florimon swinging in the top of the 8th, recording his first strikeout in his big league debut

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Right-hander Keyvius Sampson made his Major League debut on Thursday in one inning of relief work, and he'll make his first career start on Sunday.

Reds manager Bryan Price announced Sampson will get the nod as the Reds' starter in Sunday's four-game series finale against the Pirates. Mike Leake was originally scheduled to make the start, but he was traded to the Giants in the early hours of Friday, leaving Price with a hole in his rotation.

Batting against new Pirates reliever Joakim Soria in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs with his team down by a run, the Reds catcher hit a screaming line drive up the middle. But an alert Soria reflexively caught the ball to end the rally while Pena threw up his hands in frustration.

Waldrop recalled; Reds sorting out rotation

Outfielder to join club for a couple days while it decides on fifth starter

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Kyle Waldrop went 1-for-4 with a run scored for the U.S. Team in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. (Getty)

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- With right-handed starter Mike Leake being shipped to San Francisco in the early hours of Friday, his former No. 44 jersey will now be worn by highly-touted outfielder prospect Kyle Waldrop -- at least for a couple of days.

To fill the vacant roster spot left by the Leake trade, the Reds recalled Waldrop from Triple-A Louisville on Friday to potentially make his Major League debut. Waldrop will be with the club for the next couple days as the Reds figure out who will take over Leake's originally scheduled start on Sunday against the Pirates.

Phillips makes MLB history with career night

Second baseman homers twice, notches career-high seven RBIs

Brandon Phillips becomes the first player in history to produce four hits, two home runs, seven RBIs and two stolen bases in one game

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips set a Major League record that had never been touched since 1920 on Thursday night -- and he didn't need the entire nine innings to do it.

Phillips went 4-for-5 to help lead the Reds to a 15-5 victory over the Pirates at Great American Ball Park on Thursday. With the incredible night, Phillips became the first player since MLB began keeping track of RBIs in 1920 to record two home runs, two stolen bases, four hits and seven RBIs in a single game, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Phillips leads Reds' rout of Bucs

7/30/15: The Reds score six runs in the 5th, highlighted by Brandon Phillips' three-run homer and Jay Bruce's two-run double

By Mark Sheldon and Tom Singer
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- As many eyes spy what both teams might do before today's non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Reds produced a big offensive display for a third-straight victory in a 15-5 win over the Pirates on Thursday. Leading the way was Brandon Phillips, who hit two home runs and drove in a career-high seven RBIs. For the second time in eight days, Joey Votto reached base five times, while scoring three runs.

"It was a great game," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "To score that much, and have everybody influence the offense, I know that feels good for our hitters."

Adcock to DL, could have season-ending TJ

6/20/15: Nate Adcock strikes out Marcell Ozuna to open the top of the 8th inning

By Robert Bondy
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- The Reds may have another season-ending injury on their hands, with right-handed relief pitcher Nate Adcock being bit by the injury bug.

Adcock was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, and he told reporters he will most likely have season-ending Tommy John surgery on Tuesday to repair a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

DeSclafani deals Reds series win over Cards

7/29/15: Anthony DeSclafani scatters three hits and strikes out three over seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals

By Jenifer Langosch and Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- With one Jay Bruce swing providing all the support starter Anthony DeSclafani needed, the Reds snapped a skid of nine consecutive losing series at Busch Stadium with a 1-0, series-clinching victory over the Cardinals on Wednesday night.

Bruce's home run to lead off the second against John Lackey would be one of just two hits the Reds tallied off the Cardinals' right-hander. It landed just out of the reach of leaping center fielder Randal Grichuk, who made his return to the field after sitting two days with a groin strain.

Price: Suarez could play multiple positions

ST. LOUIS -- As the Reds' front office makes potential moves that look ahead to 2016, Reds fans also are often looking ahead to next season. And one of the big questions they have is what will the team do at shortstop?

Zack Cozart was enjoying a very nice season until a grisly right knee injury on June 10 required surgery and ended his year. Cozart's replacement, Eugenio Suarez, has been very strong at the plate.

ST. LOUIS -- Come 4 p.m. ET on Friday, when the non-waiver Trade Deadline expires, Reds right fielder Jay Bruce will either be with a new team, or quite relieved that he's still on the same one he's been with his entire career.

"I definitely will. It's one of those things where you try your best to be a professional and not let any of it bother you," Bruce said after the Reds' 1-0 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday night. "But you hear the rumblings. You hear what people say. But I'm on the Reds. I'm here to help these guys win games. This is all that I know. I have confidence in this organization, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds."

Reds in trade rumors waiting out Deadline

ST. LOUIS -- As of Wednesday afternoon, Mike Leake was still with the Reds. Leake was doing his usual activity the day after a start. Another trade candidate, Jay Bruce, was watching video in the visitor's clubhouse at Busch Stadium. Across the way at his locker, Marlon Byrd was getting his bats together for batting practice later.

Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline looms. But a veteran of several years, and clubs, Byrd hasn't noticed much difference among a Reds team that is trying to sell.

The Reds' starting pitcher has taken the mound lately under the realization he could be traded at any point before Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline. Yet Leake's managed to put together some of his best work, with his performance in a 4-0 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday night being the latest gem.

Stellar effort by Leake leads Reds past Cards

7/28/15: Mike Leake allows just four hits while striking out three, shutting the Cardinals out over eight solid innings in a 4-0 Reds win

By Jenifer Langosch and Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- Making what may have been his final start for the Reds, Mike Leake dazzled in front of a collection of scouts on hand for one more evaluation before Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline. Backed by Joey Votto three-run blast, Leake threw eight scoreless innings to help the Reds even a series at Busch Stadium with a 4-0 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday night.

Amid rumors that he might be headed elsewhere before the end of the week, Leake continued a string of sensational starts. He didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning on Tuesday and gave up only four in all. Over his last four outings, Leake is 4-0 with an 0.60 ERA (two runs/30 innings).

ST. LOUIS -- There have been no additional trades executed by the Reds since they sent rotation ace Johnny Cueto to the Royals for three left-handed pitching prospects. But league-wide activity has been brisk with Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline approaching.

Several Reds players remain prominent in rumors, including closer Aroldis Chapman. On Tuesday, Yahoo Sports reported that the D-backs had asked the Reds about Chapman, which was confirmed by MLB.com's D-backs beat reporter Steve Gilbert.

ST. LOUIS -- To fill the vacancy in the rotation created by the trade of Johnny Cueto to the Royals, the Reds will call up left-hander David Holmberg from Triple-A Louisville to start on Thursday vs. the Pirates.

It is slated to be Holmberg's first actual callup this season -- two previously planned ones were scrubbed when rainouts changed the schedule. In seven big league games -- including five starts -- for the Reds in 2014, he was 2-2 with a 4.80 ERA.

Stephenson continues dominant stretch for Bats

2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Robert Stephenson isn't afraid to attack hitters and he has the stuff to be a top-of-the-rotation starter

By Alex M. Smith
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MLB.com |

Rob Stephenson is on quite a roll for Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds' No. 2 prospect (No. 43 overall) recorded 10 strikeouts over eight shutout innings as the Bats took down Charlotte, 3-1, on Tuesday night. The right-hander allowed three hits and one walk while hitting double digit Ks for the fourth time this season.

Alex M. Smith is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Bruce named Bob Feller Act of Valor Award nominee

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The award honors the legacy of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who fought for the U.S. military. (Getty)

By Andrew Simon
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MLB.com |

The active Major League players and Hall of Famers nominated for the 2015 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award were revealed Tuesday.

The award, now in its third year, honors the legacy of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who became the first professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. military after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. A current MLB player, a Hall of Famer and a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer are recognized each Veterans Day in a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.